Growing up, Asha James (BFA ’18) always had a deep interest in the arts, but it wasn’t until she joined musicals in high school that she would discover that the stage was where she felt most at home. As Asha entered the acting industry, she was determined to find stories and cast members that reflected her community. It was this desire that would lead her to land a role in Obsidian Theatre’s FLEX, a project that would shape her career. 

“I did a general audition for Obsidian before FLEX and they asked me what I was interested in, and I said I really want to work with Black people on a Black show,” says Asha. “Being able to book that and work on a Black show with an all-Black cast of amazing human beings was just such a great experience for me.” 

Taking on this role would mark a pivotal moment in Asha’s career as it would lead to winning her first Dora award, Canada’s most prestigious celebration of excellence on Toronto stages. 

“I had a summer gig when I was at 91��ɫ as a waterfront singing ambassador and we were invited to sing outside of the Doras,” says Asha. “So, to go from that to now being inside the Doras and winning an award for FLEX, which meant so much to me, was definitely the height of my career,” says Asha. 

However, it was Asha’s role as a swing for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at Mirvish Theatre where she truly gained insight into the theatre world.   

“You don’t just go up on stage and do something. There are so many different elements and pieces involved. Getting to experience that has been great,” says Asha. “I know a bit more on what is going on in theatre in terms of politics, management and a sense of everything the theatre includes.” 

Asha credits her time at 91��ɫ for building the foundation and providing the tools to prepare her for a career in the performing arts. 

“91��ɫ really helped put down a good foundation for me,” says Asha. “It helped me learn how to break down a script, giving me tools for that and tips for the actual acting element.”  

She also recognizes the female instructors she worked with at the School of the Arts, Media, Performance and Design for helping her hone her craft and refine her skills as an actor.  

“I have a deep appreciation for the female instructors that I had, specifically Erika Batdorf [Associate Professor, Theatre],” says Asha. “I did her workshop, which really helped me as an actor, just finding another layer of depth in my performances and being able to tap into different states.” 

Reflecting on her purpose as an actor, Asha explains what she hopes the audience takes away from her work. 

“I want people that see my work to feel connected to my character in some way,” says Asha. “I want to leave them walking away feeling something and feeling like that was real, I could connect with that, or I see someone in that.” 

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If you are interested in finding out more about how you can get involved with YUBAN or want to hear more about their upcoming initiatives, please contact Yasmine Mensah, Alumni Engagement Officer, at mensahy@yorku.ca.  

Meet the 2024-2026 Executive Team

Fikayo Aderoju

Chair
BA ’22

Bio

Fikayo Aderoju is an award-winning entrepreneur that has reached over 10 million individuals on various media platforms. He is the CEO of the Born For Greatness (BFG) Group and founder of Project Impacting Lives, the largest youth-led care product distributor in Canadian history. With an admirable dedication, the initiative has successfully distributed over 10,000 care products across Ontario to individuals in need. Additionally, Fikayo serves as the Executive Chairman of 91��ɫ’s Black Alumni Network, contributing significantly to the university's community and empowerment initiatives.

Joannes Paulus Yimbesalu

Vice-Chair
MLCE ’19

Bio

Joannes is a seasoned youth development expert with over a decade of experience in international development, primarily focusing on empowering African youths with a mission to ensure that youths have access to quality education and skills necessary to drive economic growth and innovation. Joannes currently serves as Chief Executive Officer for Africa Skills Alliance, a Think Tank focused on democratizing data around workforce development in Africa to ensure that the African workforce is well-equipped with the skills required for current and future job opportunities. His diverse career spans multiple countries, involving collaborations with governments, private sector, development organizations, and youths. Joannes' keen interest is in advocacy, and policy, particularly in education, gender equality, adolescent development, innovation, employability, entrepreneurship, and mental health. With a strong academic background in Leadership and Community Engagement, Joannes brings a unique perspective to addressing global challenges with local solutions. While serving as lead for Generation Unlimited, a public-private-youth-partnership with the United Nations, he played a pivotal role in supporting global initiatives which provided millions of youths with essential skills and employment opportunities. Joannes is recipient of several international awards including the A.D. King Foundation Award and Queen Elizabeth II Young Leaders Award for his leadership and tech innovation contributions. Joannes is a published author, bilingual in English and French, engages in volunteer work, and serves on multiple organizational boards.

Aishah Imran

Career & Mentorship Coordinator
BPA ’22

Bio

Meet Aishah, our dynamic Career and Mentorship Coordinator at YUBAN. With a background in economics and public policy, Aishah brings a wealth of expertise and passion for driving positive change. Currently works as a Fraud Analyst and has experience in student advising at prestigious institutions, Aishah is dedicated to empowering young professionals through mentorship and career guidance. With a proven track record of leadership and collaborative problem-solving, she is committed to fostering a supportive and enriching environment for YUBAN members as they navigate their career journeys.

Kobe Cargill

Student Liaison
BSc ’23

Bio

Meet Kobe, a recent graduate of 91��ɫ's specialized honors program in Actuarial Science. During his time at 91��ɫ, he was a member of the 91��ɫ United Black Students Alliance (YUBSA), United Caribbean Islands (UCI), Actuarial Students Association (ASA), and volunteered as a Science Student Ambassador and held a work/study position as a Student Success Mentor Lead with the Black Excellence 91��ɫ (BEYU) program. Kobe spends his free time career searching and exploring fitness and exercise science as a certified personal trainer.

Victoria Medley-Parkins

Membership & Volunteer Coordinator
BA ’20

Bio

Currently working as a Residence Life Area Coordinator who directly supports the wellbeing, safety, and programming of first year university students. Victoria makes it her mission to intentionally develop programming that uplifts black and racialized students. Within her role in YUBAN, Victoria looks forward to revamping our membership and providing more opportunities for networking amongst alumni and engaging the graduating classes of future alumni.

2020 - 2023 Executive Team

Amuna Baraka-Clarke

MPPAL ’18

Amuna is passionate about access. She has almost three decades of experience working in the areas of homelessness, education, social justice, legal advocacy and policy. She works as a Senior Human Resources Leader in Community Healthcare and is an active volunteer across many communities. She has an undergraduate degree in Political Science and English Literature and a Master’s degree in Public Policy, Administration and Law. 

Michael Eubanks

BA ’93

Michael Eubanks is Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer of goeasy Ltd. 

Michael leverages more than 30 years of diverse experience across the retail, financial services and digital and information technology sectors in both Canada and the U.S. As a leader in enterprise strategic planning, he specializes in implementing complex technology changes to meet shifting business models for public and private companies. 

A believer of strong leadership at every level, Michael is passionate about identifying and mentoring the next generation of leaders. 

Before Michael’s appointment at goeasy in 2020, he was Chief Information Officer at the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) and the Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS). He has also held senior technology management roles at Canadian Tire Corporation and Best Buy International. 

Michael is a graduate of 91��ɫ (BA) and has completed the Institute Corporate Director’s Program Certification from the Rotman School of Business at the University of Toronto.  

Michael is currently a board member and Chair of the Human Resources Committee for Toronto Hydro Corporation, as well as a board member of the University of Waterloo and 91��ɫ’s Black Alumni Network (YUBAN). 

Queen Nkpubre  

BSc ’12

Queen Nkpubre is a Marketing and Communication Specialist with an affinity for Science based communication following an educational background in Chemistry and Forensic Science. In 2015, she was the co-recipient of the 1st place award at the Scottish Forensic Students Symposium. She grew up in Nigeria and currently resides in Canada where despite the cold weather, she is often sighted with a cup of ice cream. She has a passion for fitness & wellness, literacy skills and girl power. She enjoys reading. 

Randy Yeboah 

BA ’10, MA ’12

Randy Yeboah is an award recognized leader in the areas of emergency management and business continuity. He is currently the Director of Business Continuity and Resilience with the Toronto Transit Commission, North America’s third largest transit system. His career spans over a decade and includes roles in public safety, public health, and utility spaces. Randy possesses a Master’s degree in Disaster and Emergency Management (2020), an undergraduate degree in International Development (2010), and several industry certifications and designations. He is passionate about minimizing the impacts of emergencies on organizations and the communities they are rooted in. 

Reni Odetoyinbo

BBA ’18

Reni Odetoyinbo is a content creator, marketing consultant, and finance enthusiast based in Toronto, Canada. On her YouTube channel, 'xoreni', she shares resources about career development, lifestyle, and financial literacy. Reni is a graduate of 91��ɫ's Schulich School of Business, class of 2018, and worked in Wealth Management at the Bank of Montreal subsequently.   

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Access exclusive alumni discounts on entertainment, travel and insurance, and enter sweepstakes all from your mobile device.

Update your contact information

Update or change your information and communications preferences so we know how and when to reach out to you.

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91��ɫ is launching a fundraising campaign to establish the 91��ɫ Emergency Student Support Fund, which will provide essential financial support to those impacted by global conflicts and crises.

91��ɫ is an exceptionally diverse community, with students and scholars from around the world. Consequently, current and prospective members of the university community may be impacted by global conflicts and crises in several ways, including but not limited to involuntary displacement, destruction of homes, and loss of work.

With this in mind, 91��ɫ is launching a fundraising campaign to establish the 91��ɫ Emergency Student Support Fund, which will provide essential financial support to those impacted by global conflicts and crises.

“91��ɫ is a supportive, inclusive, and caring environment that delivers superior student support and services,” says Susana Gajic-Bruyea, Vice-President Advancement. “When situations arise that put students at risk or in any kind of jeopardy, 91��ɫ endeavours to support them in many ways, including financially. Our goal with this fund is to enhance the financial support available to students when they need it most.”

The fund will help support students affected by conflicts, such as the ones currently happening in Ukraine, Afghanistan and Syria, natural disasters, and other geopolitical events and crises. Specific criteria will be available once the fund is established.

“The 91��ɫ Emergency Student Support Fund will provide essential support to these students on an as-needed basis,” says Gajic-Bruyea. “With the support of donors, the fund will help ensure the most at-risk and affected students can pursue or continue their education safely and with much-needed financial support.”

To learn more about the fund or to make a donation, visit the web page.

Existing supports remain in place for students affected by international crises, including but not limited to:

• Financial Supports: including ;
• Mental Health Supports: 91��ɫ's  office has counsellors and group supports available for students seeking mental health resources. For support in the evenings, on weekends, or anytime, all 91��ɫ students have access to , a free 24/7 service that offers online resources and supports as well as a phone line to connect to a mental health professional in their region;
• Academic Advising:  are available to answer student questions about courses, exam deferrals, leaves of absence (e.g. for supporting family, health reasons, etc.), or anything related to their study; and
• Visa and Immigration:  are available to help answer immigration, visa, and study permit–related questions.

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Show off your hard-earned diploma, grad portrait and class composite photo in official, custom-made 91��ɫ frames, available through the 91��ɫ U Bookstore located at 91��ɫ Lanes or online.

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Mid-Career Conversations was created for alumni to connect and learn from the experiences of other mid-career professionals. This virtual event will feature a talk from 91��ɫ U Alumni Career Coach, Lisa Petsinis. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and join virtual breakout rooms to discuss their own career path and ambitions with other 91��ɫ alumni.

Tickets are complimentary but registration is required. You can register now by using the buttons below for each session. We'll send you a reminder closer to the event date.

Date: Wednesday, Sept. 23
Time: 12 p.m. ET
Alumni Speaker: Lisa Petsinis (BA ’91)

Many professionals launch a job search by updating their resume, refreshing their LinkedIn profile, and applying to job postings – without first identifying a clear target. Without clarity, it’s easy to spend hours on job boards, submit generic applications, and network without purpose. Yet one of the most important predictors of a successful job search is having a focused understanding of where you’re headed and why. This practical session will help mid-career professionals understand why career clarity matters, identify the questions that help them define a realistic and motivating direction, and see how a clear target can strengthen every aspect of their job search from their resume and LinkedIn profile to networking and interview performance.

Previous Sessions

Mid-Career Conversations - Failure is Just a Badly Marketed Pivot

Alumni Speaker: Natalia Kaplan (MACC ‘15)

We celebrate pivots once they succeed, but we call them failures while they’re happening. In this session, Natalia Kaplan explores how the words we use to describe our careers shape how we experience challenges and how others see us. Drawing from her own nonlinear path, she shares how the way we frame what we go through can influence confidence, opportunity, and direction, and how to balance being honest about difficult moments while still shaping the story we tell. 

Mid-Career Conversations - Let’s Talk Numbers: Salary negotiation with confidence and clarity

Speaker: Sonia Sheechoria, 91��ɫ U Alumni Career Coach

Negotiating your salary or asking for a raise is not about luck; it is about strategy. You have the skills, delivered results and added value. It's time to make sure your compensation reflects it. This session will show you how to assess your worth and approach salary conversations with confidence. Whether you are preparing for a new offer or planning to ask for a raise, you will gain practical tools to help you advocate for your value and achieve your earning potential.

Mid-Career Conversations - The Uncopyable Human Code: Rewiring leadership in the age of AI

Storyteller: Delisa Abraham (BA ’20) CEO, 3CL Communications and Co-Founder Faith & Sparkles World

When machines can write our words and predict our choices, what makes a leader truly stand out? Uncopyable human code is a thought-provoking exploration of how trust, empathy and purpose, have become the new leadership code. In an age where algorithms can mimic intelligence and authenticity feels increasingly rare, the leaders who rise are those who lead with humanity.

Mid-Career Conversations - Confidence Over Conformity: How to lead and avoid facing impostor syndrome

Storyteller: Jackie Staub (BA '01), Retail & Brand Strategy Leader, Executive Positions at L’Oréal, Coty and Estée Lauder

This talk will explore how confidence becomes essential even when feeling out of place. Drawing on stories from brand leadership, moments of creative divergence and decision‑making moments under pressure, the speaker will share practical lessons on showing up authentically, navigating pushback and finding the strength to stand by what you believe in.

Mid-Career Conversations - From Overlooked to Interviewed: Simple resume tweaks that work

Storyteller: Sonia Sheechoria (BHRM ’15, MLCE ’19)

Sonia Sheechoria is a proud two-time alumna. She holds an undergraduate degree in Human Resources Management and a graduate degree in Leadership and Community Engagement and has worked in executive recruitment roles throughout Canada and the U.S.

Whether you’re exploring your next step or aiming to level up in your career, your resume is one of the most powerful tools in your job search. In today’s hyper-competitive job market, even small tweaks can make a big difference.

Mid-Career Conversations - Building Your Legacy: The power of community, passion and purpose

Storyteller: Klaudia Zinaty (BA/BEd ‘95)

Klaudia Zinaty is a visionary leader, entrepreneur and advocate for women’s empowerment. She has led a transformative movement dedicated to amplifying women’s voices and creating opportunities for success, collaboration and growth.

This conversation is designed to inspire and empower you to take charge of your legacy now—whether you're an entrepreneur, professional, student, or changemaker. You’ll walk away not only with a deeper understanding of your impact but with tangible strategies to bring your purpose to life.

Mid-Career Conversations - Taking chances in life and in business

Storyteller: Jamie Read (BA ’03)

In this inspiring session, Jamie Read (BA ’03) will dive into the art of making bold decisions, embracing uncertainty and leveraging perspective to create lasting impact. As a visionary leader, Jamie has redefined the traditional agency model by curating diverse, high-performing teams of global experts to deliver flexible, impactful solutions for businesses. His journey exemplifies the courage and innovation needed to break boundaries and inspire others to do the same.

You will learn:

• Practical strategies for assessing risks and opportunities.
• How to harness diverse perspectives to navigate uncertainty.
• The power of taking calculated leaps in career and entrepreneurship.

Mid-Career Conversations - Mastering the Art of Networking: Strategies and Insights

Storyteller: Dolly Shao (MBA ’11)

Effective networking is an essential skill whether you are a working professional aiming to advance your career or a business owner seeking a partner. Dolly Shao will share her experience and proven tactics on how to initiate engaging conversations and build lasting relationships to help you thrive in any setting. You will walk away with a fresh perspective and eagerness to expand your network as you kick off 2025.

Dolly Shao brings over 20 years of experience in empowering brands across China and Canada. Her expertise in multicultural marketing has enable her prestigious clients to forge authentic connections with Asian markets. Dolly has overseen branding and marketing in China for the Schulich Executive Education Centre and nurtured partnerships for the Centre for Career Design at Schulich.

Mid-Career Conversations - An entrepreneur's journey into the unpredictable world of startups

Storyteller: Keith Loo (MBA ’12)

Whether you're an entrepreneur, aspiring business leader, or simply curious about making a bold career move, this conversation will provide insight on navigating the balance between a thriving enterprise career and the unpredictable, often challenging, world of startups. Storyteller, Keith Loo (MBA ’12) will dive into the leap he took launching Skinopathy, a company in a sector completely new to him—one that has since been recognized as one of Canada's top startups.

Mid-Career Conversations - How to navigate a career change

Storyteller: Monika Monga (MHRM ’14)

Changing careers during your professional journey can be both challenging and rewarding. Whether you're a seasoned professional looking for a change or a newcomer to Canada, having the right strategy is key to achieving success.

Join us for an insightful presentation led by Monika Monga, an experienced career coach with a diverse background in both the public and private sectors. Monika specializes in guiding professionals through the job search process, including résumé and cover letter reviews, interview preparation and networking best practices.

Mid-Career Conversations - How to grow your career with LinkedIn

Storyteller: Dr. Nidhi Sachdeva (MA '09)

Discover key strategies and actionable tips to optimize your LinkedIn profile and engage with your audience authentically. In this session, Dr. Sachdeva will explore tangible ways to elevate your online presence and leverage LinkedIn's potential for career growth. 

Nidhi Sachdeva is an evidence-informed learning designer, post-secondary educator, researcher, and an educational technology specialist. With more than 15 years of experience developing and facilitating learning content for both face-to-face and online courses, Nidhi is extremely passionate about integrating the science of learning in her pedagogical practice. Nidhi is currently teaching graduate level courses (Science of Learning) at OISE.

Mid-Career Conversations - What the Tech: Leading in a post-hype era of GenAI

Storyteller: D'Arcy Cameron (BA ’86), Career Coach at D’Arcy Cameron Coaching

Are you a middle manager trying to stay relevant and grow your career while navigating platforms and the latest technologies? Listen to Mélissa Romulus Lisanti talk about what it takes to showcase your leadership and create a successful client and people experience in a rapidly changing world of technology and GenAI.

Mélissa Romulus Lisanti is a highly accomplished professional with over 18 years of experience leading complex business and digital transformations.

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Each year, the 91��ɫ Alumni Awards recognize outstanding alumni who have achieved the extraordinary and are working to right the future by creating positive change in their fields. The Awards celebrate the broad 91��ɫ alumni community of innovators, activists, and researchers and its long-standing commitment to the public good. The tradition of recognizing their contributions will continue at the 91��ɫ U Alumni Awards show. If you have any questions about the Alumni Awards show, please contact Rose Lucibello, Manager, Advancement Events at crocitto@yorku.ca. If you have any questions about the nominations process or recipients, please contact Nicole Light, Manager, Alumni Success at nlight@yorku.ca.

View previous Alumni Awards recipients here.

Remembering Bruce Bryden, an outstanding 91��ɫ leader

The 91��ɫ U Alumni Awards were inspired by Bruce Bryden who was an exceptionally committed and influential leader at 91��ɫ for many years. He was a member of our first undergraduate class, was the founding president of the 91��ɫ Alumni Association (now the 91��ɫ Alumni Board/YUAB) and was a member of the 91��ɫ Board of Governors.

The 91��ɫ U Alumni Awards recognize and honour his vision, exemplary leadership and extraordinary achievements.

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Learn more about 91��ɫ's alumni awards, their past recipients and how to nominate someone.

Top 30 Alumni Under 30

91��ɫ’s Top 30 Alumni Under 30 program celebrates inspiring and diverse alumni, 29 years old and younger, who are making a positive and impactful difference —both locally and abroad. From Toronto to communities around the world, 91��ɫ’s young alumni are pushing the boundaries across sectors and borders. They are leaders, actively working to create meaningful change within their businesses, organizations and communities. 

The 91��ɫ U Alumni Awards

The 91��ɫ U Alumni Awards are presented to alumni who have made remarkable contributions to their fields, their communities and to 91��ɫ. These honours are inspired by Bruce Bryden’s exceptional history, and each year’s recipients reflect the highest levels of service and impact.

Alumni Awards and Scholarships

Every year, the 91��ɫ Alumni Board recognizes four distinguished 91��ɫ students for their academic excellence and student leadership for scholarships including the Alumni Silver Jubilee Scholarship, the Alumni Golden GRADitude Award and the Harry Arthurs Alumni Families Entrance Scholarship.

Alumni nominated for external awards

Stay up to date with the latest alumni news to learn about alumni who have received or been shortlisted for external awards including the Order of Canada and the Order of Ontario.

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The GRADitude program takes place every year to honour our graduating class. It takes this time to celebrate student achievements and provide graduating students with the opportunity to connect with inspiring alumni.

This reformatted virtual GRADitude program features subjects led by alumni speakers to help new grads with next steps in their career journey. These sessions help to hone virtual networking skills, plan career steps, while bringing new grads’ authentic selves into their future.

Stay tuned for our next season. Watch previous sessions below.

2022 Series

2021 Series

2020 Series

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Reconnect and stay in touch

If you’ve moved, changed jobs or simply changed your email, let us know so we can stay in touch about exciting and important news, events, and so much more happening at 91��ɫ and its faculties and schools!

Questions? Comments?

For any questions or comments about updating your information and preferences, contact Alumni Engagement at alumni@yorku.ca or 416-650-8159.

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